The Plague

In Eyam in sixteen hundred sixty-five
Disaster struck in the shape of the Plague
Many villagers lost a life
But over four hundred didn't: how vague!

After lots of research and determination
Scientist discovered the truth, simple and shocking
The genetic code had meant salvation
Giving immunity or a fighting chance by blocking

The worst effects from happening.
One simple gene differed life or death.
But, a world wide search in mapping
This illustrious fact was met

With another heartbreaking result
Only in Europe was this gene found,
Where the Plague struck worst through cult,
Race and gender. Delta-32 was homeward bound.

And now we have another Plague, the same MO,
With an higher death rate than any culprit before.
HIV or Aids is its name but it's not contagious though.
It has three ways to infect you, nothing more.

Through unsafe sex, dirty needles or tainted blood
You can become another victim, yet another
And even though some have this extra protection mode
It's just as lethal as the illness that struck our great-grandmother.

And even though scientists come closer day by day
To a solution, using gene Delta-32 to find an answer
We're a long way from a happy day in May.
For we also have other killer bees among us, like cancer.

But that's beside the point, they don't work like Plague.
The worst of this HIV and Plague I feel is just bad luck.
In the sixteenth hundreds we in Europe had death in its wage
But now all others are stuck with bad luck: a sitting duck.

So prevention is even more important there,
We already know and do so, just to be sure
But you, more than anyone anywhere,
Have to be twice as safe and secure.

I have a small chance I have this gene
And therefore a chance of protection
But besides that I am not so keen
On finding out if I can fight the infection.

But you, my transcontinental friend,
Do not possess this guardian from inside
So protect yourself even better, don't try to bend
Luck your way. I hate to see you lose your light.

29 januari 2004 Carolien Marijke Magdeld van Jaaren

	Maak geen misbruik van dit gedicht. Do not misuse this poem. Meer informatie / more information gedichten@indronten.nl